Teen dating violence is a growing health concern as more information concerning its detrimental effects comes to light. Teens
may not disclose dating violence to mental health professionals without direct questioning from the professional, so screening for
dating violence is vital.1 Reasons that teens do not disclose dating violence include: fear that adults may not believe them, fear of
ending the relationship, and lack of recognition of abusive behaviors.2 Additionally, teens may not use the word “dating” to
describe their relationship. Terms such as “hanging out” or “friends with benefits” may be more common ways of describing teen
relationships. Understanding the way teens communicate is necessary to aid in the accuracy of the screening process.1
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF TEEN DATING
VIOLENCE? Teens who are victims of dating violence may
exhibit sudden changes in personality.2 For instance, they may
become more isolated or participate less in social activities,
show a sudden decline in academic performance, or skip
school.3 They may also exhibit hostility toward parents, adults,
and/or peers, or they may have uncharacteristic emotional
outbursts.4 In some cases teens may begin using alcohol or
engage in substance abuse to cope.5
Risk factors for dating violence perpetration include: rigid
gender-role beliefs,6 poor interpersonal skills, aggressive
attitudes, a belief that violence does not have consequences,
and lack of empathy for others.7,8,9 Teens who perpetrate may
also exhibit depression, hostility toward authority figures,
antisocial behaviors, or declining academic performance, or
they may have issues with drugs and alcohol. Both teens who
are victims and those who are perpetrators have a higher risk
of suicidal ideation.2
WHAT SHOULD I BE LOOKING FOR DURING THE
SCREENING PROCESS?
Check the teen’s overall appearance. Clinicians should note
if the teen recently changed the style or manner of dress. For
example, some teens may wear unseasonably warm clothing
to conceal bruises, marks, or injuries, or they may dress
conservatively to prevent jealous outbursts from their dating
partner.2,10
Pay attention to teens’ responses to inquiries about their
dating relationships. According to the American Bar
Association (2006), if the teen becomes evasive, refuses to
make eye contact, or answers in quick responses such as
“fine,” there may be reason for concern. Teens involved in
dating violence may also make excuses for the dating
partner’s behavior if they do disclose violence.10 The teen may
give vague indications suggesting that the dating partner is
controlling her/him, such as “He loves me so much he wants
to be together all the time” or “She likes to know my location at
all times.”10 The teen may not have a reasonable excuse as to
why s/he is experiencing a sudden decline in academic
performance or for the number of missed classes or days of
school. The teen may inquire about changing schools without
giving a believable or reasonable answer as to why.10
Although teen dating violence is not the only reason a teen
might respond in such ways, it is important to get a clear
picture of the dynamics that are occurring within the
relationship to fully assess for dating violence.
WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING
SCREENING? Researchers conducted a study1 of screening
practices for teen dating violence and found disparity in the
number of teens who experience dating violence and the
number of clinicians who screen for it. While 65% of clinicians
reported working with a teen involved in dating violence, only
21% screened for it. This study shows that the likelihood of
mental health professionals encountering teen dating violence
is high, and thus there is a need for consistent screening.
Screening for teen dating violence is important to the health
and well-being of teens and should become a regular feature
in the mental health screening process. Knowing the warning
signs of teen dating violence better equips clinicians for a
successful intervention as well. Training programs and
continuing education opportunities can provide this information
and can also help with formulation of screening questions that
are likely to elicit dialogue with teens about dating violence.1